News
Local

Historic space mission a quarter century ago

Perhaps it’s fitting Dr. Roberta Bondar’s space mission a quarter century ago is being marked with a coin.

On Jan. 22, 1992, the native of Sault Ste. Marie made history when she became Canada's first female astronaut and the world's first neurologist in space, when she flew aboard Space Shuttle Discovery as a crew member of Mission STS-42. Twenty-five years later, her accomplishment is being saluted with the world’s first ever curved, glow-in-the-dark silver coin, unveiled Tuesday.

"My view from Discovery 25 years ago forever changed my view of Earth and instilled in me a commitment to protect this magnificent planet,” Bondar said in a release.

This special coin symbolizes the beauty of Earth from space, she added.

“We need to celebrate our milestones and pioneers as we push the frontiers of discovery,” Bondar said. “Glowing in the dark, the coin represents inspiration and hope for the future, and it is an honour to have my role in human space flight recognized in this meaningful way.”

The Royal Canadian Mint is “proud” to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Bondar’s mission with a coin “as innovative as what she achieved for women and all of Canada,” said Sandra Hanington, mint president and CEO.

“This new silver coin captures yet another story of a Canadian reaching for the stars and accomplishing things that will inspire us for generations to come.”

The outer band framing the coin’s central design features Bondar’s name and text highlighting the anniversary of her space mission, as well as a miniature depiction of the space shuttle Discovery as it appeared on the mission crest of STS-42 crew members. The 2017 $25 fine silver coin, A View of Canada from Space, has a limited mintage of 8,500 and retails for $159.95.

The reverse design by Canadian artist Alexandra Lefort combines vivid colour with glow-in-the-dark effects to recreate a view of Earth from space, with a direct focus on Canada.

As the first Canadian woman to fly in space, Bondar will be remembered as a pioneer among Canada’s modern-day explorers, said Sault Ste. Marie MP Terry Sheehan. “The Government of Canada is pleased that her achievement of 25 years ago and her ongoing dedication to science have been permanently honoured by the Royal Canadian Mint.”

As a physician, scientist and Canada’s first woman in space, Bondar has done much to make her hometown and the rest of Canada proud, said Mayor Christian Provenzano.

“My fellow citizens and I are delighted that the Royal Canadian Mint has honoured Dr. Bondar’s remarkable achievements with this impressive silver coin.”

The coin can be purchased by contacting the mint at 1-800-267-1871 in Canada, 1-800-268-6468 in the U.S., or online at www.mint.ca, as well as at mint boutiques in Ottawa, Winnipeg and Vancouver, or from authorized dealers, including participating Canada Post outlets.